What happens when a “recycling nut” experiences a smoking ban? Evidently she comes up with a way to make art out of something that is not inherently beautiful (or even clean)—ashtrays. Chef and owner of West Town Tavern, Susan Goss, collected hundreds of ashtrays (ninety-five percent of them washed) to eventually be exhibited at a West Town art gallery, The Architrouve. The ashtrays (some ceramic, some glass, some still emblazoned with the Camel label) will be sorted through and then chosen by local artists for “creating.” After the exhibition they will be auctioned off for charity—proceeds go to the Erie Neighborhood House. Impressed by talk of a moving dinosaur diorama made from the would-be-trash, Chef Goss admits her own artistic ability “revolves around carrots and stuff like that.” So, she has contributed in the only way she knows how; she will cook up “smoky” appetizers for the auction including pork butt biscuits and ash-rind goat cheese.
Art 50 2022: Chicago's Visual Vanguard This year’s Art 50 acknowledges the important work of the gallerists, collectors, administrators and more who make Chicago’s art world run.
